Hurricane Gustav Causes Damage - Sept. 2

Communities across the U.S. Gulf Coast are assessing damage today in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.Eight people reportedly died from the storm.Thankfully, New Orleans experienced a successful evacuation and did not receive a direct hit as earlier projected.Many other communities in Mississippi and Louisiana, however, have experienced significant wind damage and extensive flooding.Hurricane Gustav spawned at least 17 tornados and heavy rain, projected to reach up to 15 in Shreveport, LA.

UCC colleagues in Biloxi, Mississippi, report several homes which were re-built in Harrison and Hancock counties following Hurricane Katrina have experienced flooding from Gustav’s storm surge. Many fishing boats have been damaged; which is a real blow to this industry which was just recovering following Hurricane Katrina.

Shari Prestemon, Executive Director of Back Bay Mission, reports that staff and mission property came through the storm safely.The Mission will resume operations on Wednesday, September 3.

UCC partners in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cuba continue to assess damage in outlying areas.Initial reports indicate heavy damage to infrastructure, housing and agriculture.One Great Hour of Sharing emergency response grants have been sent to partners in Haiti and Dominican Republic.

As additional information on the impact of Hurricane Gustav and opportunities for responding become available, we will share updates on www.ucc.org

Please keep all the people impacted by Hurricane Gustav in your prayers and plan to make a generous donation to One Great Hour of Sharing/Hurricane Gustav.

What you can do

1. Pray for people who live in communities affected by tropical storms and hurricanes.

2. To help those affected by disasters you may, send gifts payable to your congregation marked for OGHS/Hurricane Gustav with the request they be sent through your Conference office on to Wider Church Ministries, Financial Services - 6th Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.